so i finally got a newer tranny in along with a 9lb JB racing FW from TMS. Let me just say that the car feels like it just lost about 300+ lbs! this thing is awesome, especially in first and second gear acceleration. first gear makes the car feel completely new, especially below 3500rpm. very noticable increase in acceleration below 3500rpm as a result in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th gear. Where i used to stay in 3rd to have power to go up small hills w/o losing speed or having to go WOT in 4th, i can now go up in 4th and barely accelerate in the 2500rpm range, it's so awesome! My first night on I-95 I ran at 85+ w/ 3-4 other cars messing around and I loved the better response in fifth gear so i didn't have to downshift into 4th as often, and when i did downshift the shifts were a whole lot smoother and granted quicker and less inhibiting access to the m42's higher powerband. My only reget is that I didn't do this mod sooner. I have quite a few mods on my car that claim 3-15hp increases, but they were all held back and extremely overshadowed by the "dual-crap" factory steel "driving miss daisy" like acceleration flywheel. the beast known as m42b18 has been officially unleashed. now for that 3.91lsd...
Driveability:
I drive this car every day probably more than anyone else drive's theirs due to my long distance work commute, and I can cope w/ the changes. the only setback is the slight chatter or whatever it's called due to single mass flywheels inability to dampen vibration on a solid hub clutch disc. I only really noticed this chatter in 2nd and 3rd gear when i let off of the gas pedal between 3500rpm and about 2500rpm. if the wind is in your face you won't even hear it, the same w/ some tunes blasting, and idle isn't bad unless you're outside of the car, but no louder than the ticking of a 325's tappets.
i don't care what conversion you do, but if you want to upgrade your m42 at all, make this the top of your list right now if you haven't done it already. i would only second this mod to a performance chip. the chip and LW FW will completely transform the m42. if you love it now, you will scream with joy everytime you drive it after the upgrades. definitely a MUST for tuning this bimmer!
